Automatic progressive control system



June 1o, 1941. c. L." Hows 2,244,880

AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Oct. 26, 1939 ATTORNEY.

Patented June 10, 1941 AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE CONTROL SYSTEM Curtis L. Howse, Birmingham, Mich., assigner to Diamond Power Specialty Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation cf Michigan Application October 26, 1939, Serial No. 361,516

14 Claims.

This invention relates to control systems for electrically powered work performing units and has for its primary object to provide a system which automatically operates a multiplicity of independent units successively and in definite sequence.

The invention has particular utility in conjunction with soot blower units which are used for the purpose of cleaning the tubes and other parts of boilers. Such units usually include an element insertable into the boiler and means for rotating said element and for controlling the supply thereto of steam, air or whatever other cleaning medium that might be used. 'I'his system, when used with soot blower units, provides for the successive operation of any number of blower units located any distance apart.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system of this character which is comparatively simple and therefore free from trouble such as results from the use of complicated control apparatus. In this respect the invention provides for the convention of the plurality of units by only two wires, and causes the units to operate successively according to the sequence in which they are connected along these two wires.

Another object is to provide a system of this character which automatically operates a signal device when the multiplicity of units have been successively operated.

Another object is to provide a system having means which automatically operates after the last of the successively operated units has been operated to render the entire system inoperative, and to restore it to its original state in order that the same cycle may be repeated.

With the above and other ends in View the invention is more fully disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a diagram of the system, and

Fig. 2 is a fragmental view of a soot blower unit.

For purposes of explanation a soot blower unit is shown in Fig. 2, the unit being of a type similar to that shown and described in United States Patent No. 1,809,221, to which attention is invited for a more complete understanding of the operation of the unit. It will be understood, of course, that the invention may be used in conjunction with various other types of soot blowers and this particular unit is illustrated by way of example only. It is not intended that the chosen illustration should be construed as limiting the invention to this particular use.

Briey described, the soot blower unit com- 25' prises a supply pipe I connected to a valve chamber 2 in which is mounted a. valve 3 for controlling the flow of cleaning fluids from the pipe I through a conduit 4 to an element 5. The element 5 is adapted to be inserted into a boiler. A motor 6, through a speed reducing gear I, operates a gear 8 which is fixed on the element 5 for rotation thereof, and which carries a cam 9 for operating the valve. The cycle of operation of the unit is controlled by the gear 8 inasmuch as the valve 3 is opened and closed with each operation thereof.

The system hereinafter described is designed to control the operation of a multiplicity of units such as above described so that when one unit completes a cycle of operation, equivalent to one rotation of the gear 8, it is rendered inoperative and the next unit in the series is rendered operative. The same operation takes place in connection with each unit until all of the units have been operated successively.

Fig. l illustrates three units, A, B and C, although the number might be two units or it might be increased to any reasonable number. In these units, the motor 6 and gears 'I and 8 correspond to the parts bearing similar reference characters in Fig. 2. The several units are identical and, therefore, the reference characters hereinafter employed refer to similar parts in all of the units.

Power is supplied for operating the several units by the main line wires L and G which through a starting switch I 0 are adapted to be connected to the wires L1 and G1. The wire L1 extends to the motor 6 of the first unit A and has a switch gap II therein which is normally closed by a switch member I2 having an electro-magnetic coil and armature assembly I3 for moving the switch member to open the gap II. 'Ihe motor is also connected by a wire I4 to thewire G1 and it will be observed that upon closing of the switch IIJ the motor 6 is in circuit with the main line wi res L and G.

The circuit for the electro-magnet I3 comprises a wire I5, connected to the wire L1 between the switch gap II and the motor 6, a normally open single pole switch I6 connected by a wire Il to the electro-magnet I3, and a wire I8 connecting the electro-magnet I3 to the line G1.

With the motor 6 operating as labove described the gear 8 is caused to rotate. On the gear 8 is a cam or lug 24 which, after one revolution of the gear 8 in a clockwise direction, closes the single pole switch I6 and thereby closes the circuit of the electro-magnet I3. The switch member I2 is 2 acca-,seo

pulled from contact with the gap terminals lI by the electro-magnet, and thereby opens the circuit of the motor 6 and ordinarily would immediately suspend operation thereof. However, as will hereinafter appear, the motor circuit is only momentarily broken at this particular stage in the operation.

Two switch gap terminals Z0 and 2i are engaged by the switch member I2 as a result of operation of the magnet I3 as above described. It will .be noted, in this respect, that the circuit to the electro-magnet I3 is opened when the switch member moves from engagement with the gap terminals II. However, the motion given the armature of the electro-magnet before the circuit is entirely broken as well as the inertia of the magnetic forces will carry the switch I2 into contact with the terminals 2li and 2|.

The switch terminal 2S is electrically .connected by the wire 22 to the wire I! and the terminal El is connected by a wire L2 lto the wire L1. There- Ifore, when the terminals 2li and 2| are bridged by the switch lmember I2 the electro-magnet I3 is again energized. It will also be noted that while the switch I6 is closed and the terminals Eil and '21 ridged, current may flow from the wire L1, wire 22, switch IG, Awire I5 and wire Li to the motor. Therefore, the motor Y'continues to operate until the cam y24 passes the switch I5 and allows the switch to open, thus making vit u impossible for the cam vto stop in 'a position holding the switch 'I5 closed.

'llhe terminal 25J oi the rst unit A is connected by a wire La to the -niotor of the second unit B, in which unit the system isidentical to that above describedand where like reference characters apply with the single exception of L4 which designates 'the wire leading from the switch terminal 2i! of the unit B to the motor of the unit C. In other words, the wires L1 of unit A, La of unit B and L4 of unit C `have identical relationship with their respective units.

It becomes apparent, therefore, that `when the switch IE of the unit A is operated it results in opening of the motor circuit in its unit and closing vof the motor circuit in the unit B, and when the switch I5 oi the unit B is operated it causes the motor circuit of its unit to be opened and causes closing of the circuit of the 'motor in the unit C. Any reasonable number vof units may be arranged in series in this manner` It is desirable, of course, to lprovide means for lindicating completion of the operation of all the units or forautomatically opening the switch I@ to suspend operation until such time as repetition `of the .operation Vmight be desired. The invention provides for both.

The .indicator ZI is connected .by Va wire L5 to lthe terminal 20 or" the unit C and to the wire G1. Therefore, Iwhen the line L5 is energized at the completion of the operation of the unit-C the indicator 2I is operated.

To open the switch Iii after the finalunithas operated and before the inst unit can operate again, electro-magnet .Z2 'is connected to the switch l l! and Ais operated by closing of the switch 7.23. The switch which is also electrically operated, is connected to the wire L5 and the wire G1 so that it operates when the switch member I2 cf the unit C bridges the contacts 2i! and EI of the yunit C.

When the starting switch l is opened all oi the electrically loperated switches return to their normal or non-energized positions, and re-closing vated units, a circuit for the un of the starting switch will again cause each unit to repeat its cycle of operation.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a series oi electr'cally operated each unit having an energizing circuit, a starting switch for rendering the energizing circuit of the rst unit operative, each unit having control means operable at a predetermined stage in the cycle ci its operation for deenergiaing its energizing means and for rendering the energizing means oi the next unit in the series operative, and means rendered operative Vby said control means in the final. unit for opening .said starting switch.

2. In combination, a series ol electrically operit includ-.ng a starting switch aid a second switch having electrically-operated for opening the same and yielding means normally holding it closed, a circuit for said electrically operated switch operatinor means subject to opening thereof by opening vof said second switch and also having a third switch, means normally holding said third switch open, means operating in timed `tion to the operation of the first unit for closng said third switch to operate said electrically-operated switch operating means to open. said second switch, a circuit having a control operated by and adapted to be closed by operation of said electrically-operated switch operating means, said last-named circuit being connected to the next unit in the series and through the third switch when closed to the first unit or" the series whereby the iirst unit is energized through the last named circuit until it passes the stage where it closes the third switch.

3. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a circuit for the vfirst unit including a starting switch and a second switch having yielding means normally holding it closed and electrically-operated means for opening the same, a circuit for said electrically operated switch operating means subject to opening of the second switch by operation ci the electrically-operated switch operating means and also having a third switch, means normally holding said third s vitch open, means operating in timed relation to the operation of the rst unit for closing said third switch to operate said electrically-operated means and open said second switch, a circuit having a control adapted to be closed by operation oi said electrically-operated means, said last named circuit being connected to the next unit in the series and through the third switch to the iirst unit of the series whereby the iii-st unit is energized through the last named circuit until it passes the stage where it closes the normally open switch, said last named circuit also being connected to said electrically-operated means for energizing the same to maintain the second in its open position.

4. In combination, a series of electrically oper-- ated units, a circuit for the iirst unit including a starting switch and a second switch having yielding means normally holding it open and electrically-operated means for operating the same, a circuit for said electrically operated switch operating means subject to opening of the second switch by operation of the electricallyoperated switch operating means and also having a third switch, means normally holding said third switch open, means operatinfy in timed relation to the operation of the rst unit for closing said third switch to operate and open said electrically-operated means to close said second switch.

a circuit having a control adapted to be closed by operation of said electrically-operated means, said last named circuit being connected to the next unit in the series and through the third switch to the first unit of the series whereby the first unit is energized through the last named circuit until it passes the stage where it closes the third switch, and means operated by the last named circuit of the final unit for opening said starting switch.

5. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and the first circuit of each unit having a second switch operable to open the first circuit of its respective unit and to close the first circuit of the next unit in the series, means normally holding each of the second switches closed, each of said second switches having an electro-magnet for opening the same, the first circuit of each unit being connected to the electro-magnet of its second switch by a second circuit which is opened by opening of the second switch and which also includes a third switch, means normally holding each third switch open, and means operated in cyclic relation with the operation of each unit for closing the third switch of the second circuit.

6. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and the first circuit of each unit having a second switch operable to open the first circuit of its respective unit and to close the first circuit of the next unit in the series, means normally holding each of the second switches closed, each of said second switches having an electro-magnet for opening the same, the first circuit of each unit being connected to the electro-magnet of its second `switch by a second circuit which is opened by opening of the second switch and which also includes a third switch, means normally holding each third switch open, means operated in cyclic relation with the operation of each unit for closing the third switch of the second circuit, and means operated by closing of the second circuit of the final unit of the series for opening said starting switch.

'7. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and a second switch operable to disconnect the first circuit from its respective unit and to connect it with the first circuit of the next succeeding unit in the series, means normally holding the second switch closed, a second circuit controlled by said second switch, said second circuit having a third switch therein and an electro-magnet for operating said normally closed switch, means normally holding said third switch closed, and means operating in timed relation to the operation of each unit for closing the third switches of respective units.

8. In combination, a series of electrically J operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and a second switch operable to disconnect the first circuit from its respective unit and to connect it with the first circuit of the next succeeding unit in the series, means normally holding said second switch closed, a second circuit controlled by said second switch, said second circuit having a third switch therein and an electro-magnet for operating said second switch, means operating in timed relation to the operation of each unit for closing respective third switches, and a third circuit connected to the first circuit of each of the succeeding units of the series, each third circuit being connected through the third switch of the unit which it succeeds to the unit to cause operation of the unit while said third switch is closed.

9. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and a second switch operable to disconnect the first circuit from its respective unit and to connect it with the first circuit of the next succeeding unit in the series, means normally holding said second switch closed, a second circuit controlled by said second switch, said circuit having a third switch therein and an electro-magnet for operating said second switch,

V means normally holding said third switches open,

means operating in timed relation to the operation of each unit for closing respective third switches, and means for automatically opening said starting switch at the completion of the cycle of the final unit.

10. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a first circuit for each unit for energizing each unit, the first circuit of the first unit having a starting switch and a second switch operable to disconnect the first circuit from its respective unit and to connect it with the first circuit of the next succeeding unit in the series, means normally holding said second switch closed, a second circuit controlled by said second switch, said circuit having a third switch therein and an electro-magnet for operating said second switch, means normally holding said third switch open, means operating in timed relation to the operation of each unit for closing respective third switches, a third circuit connected to the first circuit of each of the succeeding units of the series, each third circuit being connected through the third switch of the unit which it succeeds to the unit to cause operation of the unit while said third switch is closed, and means for automatically opening said starting switch at the completion of the cycle of the final unit.

11. In combination, a series of electrically operable units, wherein each unit embodies a movable part having cyclic relationship with the operation of the unit, and wherein each unit embodies an operating motor, a pair of main line wires, one of said main line wires being connected through a starting switch to the motor of each unit, the other of said main line wires being connected through said starting switch to the motor of the first unit by a circuit including a second switch, means normally holding said second switch closed, each succeeding unit having a circuit including a switch corresponding to said second switch, each second switch being operable to open its respective circuit and to close the circuit of the next succeeding unit, a magnet for opening each second switch, said magnet being connected through said second switch to the first named circuit of its respective unit by a circuit including a third switch, means normally holding cach third switch open, and means on said movable part for closing the third switch of its respective unit.

12. In combination, a series of electrically operable units, a first circuit for the motor of the first unit, means normally closing said first circuit, a circuit dependent on the first circuit and having a circuit control for opening the first circuit, means no inally opening said second circuit, means operated at a predetermined stage in the operation of the iirst unit for closing the second circuit to cause it to open the iirst circuit, a third circuit for energizing said motor through the closed second circuit te operate said motor past the stage where said second circuit was closed, and a fourth circuit connected to the rst circuit by operation of said circuit control, said fourth circuit being the iirst circuit of the next succeeding unit of the series.

13. In combination, a series of electrically operable units, a rst circuit for the motor of the first unit7 means normally closing said rst circuit, a circuit dependent on the 'first circuit and having a circuit control for opening the rst circuit, means normally opening said second circuit7 means operated at a predetermined stage in the operation of the rst unit for closing the Second circuit to cause it to open the rst circuit, a third circuit for enegizing said motor through the closed second circuit to operate said motor past the stage where said second circuit was closed, a Fourth circuit connected to the rst circuit by operation of said circuit control, said fourth circuit being the nrst circuit of the next succeedingr unit of the series, and means operated by the fourth circuit of the iinal unit for rendering the entire series inoperative.

14. In combination, a series of electrically operated units, a pair of main line wires, means including a starting switch for connecting one of said main line wires with each unit, a circuit having a switch gap connecting the other main wire to the rst unit through said starting switch, a switch member closing said switch gap and having an electro-magnet for moving the same to open said gap, a second circuit for energizing the electro-magnet comprising a wire connected to the first circuit between the switch gap and the unit, said second circuit having an open switch and a connection with the rst oi said main line wires, means operating in timed relation to the operation of the rst unit for closing said open switch whereby the first unit and the electromagnet are de-energized, and a third circuit connected to said electro-magnet and through the second circuit switch when closed to the motor for re-energizing the magnet and for operating the first unit past the stage where it closed said .second circuit switch.

CURTIS L. HOWSE. 

